Roughriders seek inspiration from last season’s heroics
The good news — and the bad news — for the Saskatchewan Roughriders is their 3-4 record.
The bad news: They would like to have a much better slate heading into Sunday ’s CFL home game against the Calgary Stampeders.
The good news: The Green and White was also 3-4 last year en route to turning around its season.
In 2017, Saskatchewan won seven of its final 11 regular-season games to finish 10-8 and earn a crossover berth into the East Division playoffs. Ultimately, the Roughriders were one defensive stop from advancing to the Grey Cup.
“There weren’t any drastic changes or anything like that,” recalled Riders defensive back Jovon Johnson. “It was a matter of us being a more disciplined football team and, taking care of our responsibilities individually and collectively, it made us better.’’
Saskatchewan’s first steps toward matching their progress of 2017 are against the Stampeders, who lead the West Division with a 7-0 record and are solid in all phases of the game.
The same can’t be said for the Riders, who head into Sunday’s matchup on a two-game losing skid. The Riders have been solid on defence and special teams, but have been lacking on offence in comparison to 2017. Points for: 197 in 2017, compared to 151 this year.
Offensive touchdowns: 20 to 8.
Passing yards: 2,228 to 2,104.
Rushing yards: 514 to 823.
Sacks allowed: 16 to 10.
Turnovers: 9 to 10.
At this point in 2017, Kevin Glenn was fourth among the league’s quarterbacks in passing yards (2,104) while completing 14 touchdown passes against seven interceptions.
After seven games this year, Saskatchewan’s three quarterbacks — Zach Collaros, Brandon Bridge and David Watford — have combined for five touchdown passes (nine fewer than Glenn) and seven interceptions (even).
Even with the improvements in rushing yards and sacks allowed, the overall offensive production isn’t going to suffice heading into a stretch where the Riders are to play 11 consecutive games before hitting their final bye week on the last week of the regular season.
Roosevelt, however, feels that the Riders can draw upon their experiences from 2017.
“It’s always around this time that we find something,” Roosevelt said. “I don’t know what it is — a little spark, a little energy — and we get it going. Hopefully this year is the same type of year.”
An aspect the Riders should be able to count on is their defence. Again, let’s compare the then and now.
Points allowed: 172 in 2017; 175 this year.
Passing yards allowed: 2,041 to
1,796.
Rushing yards allowed: 678 to 536.
Sacks by: 15 to 16.
Turnovers forced: 12 to 12.
Interceptions by: 7to5.
Last year’s interception total improved dramatically when the Riders beat the B.C. Lions 41-8 on Aug. 13, 2017 to improve to 4-4.
In that game, Saskatchewan’s Ed Gainey intercepted four passes, returning one for a touchdown, and recovered a fumble.
“(The B.C. game) gave us a spark and the confidence that we needed,” said Gainey, who went on to lead the league with 10 picks but has yet to register an interception this season.
“It showed us that when we play at our fullest potential and rally behind each other when one person makes a play, the sky is the limit for us.”
One difference between this season and 2017 is the Riders are now without receiver/defensive back Duron Carter, who was released last Saturday..
Despite the absence of the explosive Carter, Johnson expects last Saturday’s surprising release to motivate the players who remain. “A fire has been lit under guys to let them know that you can be here one moment and gone the next,” Johnson said.